Jared Schoepf, Director of TechnologyJared@safesipp.org

When Jared was just 10 years old, he began fixing things around the house with his dad such as bikes and cars. With limited resources, he had to be really creative. This is where his passion to solve problems started. While pursuing his passion for problem solving by studying Chemical Engineering at Arizona State, he developed another passion: entrepreneurship. Jared led the team in designing and building the SafeSIPP system. Jared currently leads R&D and operates the manufacturing process. When he is not busy rolling around the system or performing research for his PhD in Chemical Engineering , he enjoys cruising down the mountains on his snowboard.

Taylor Barker, Director of OperationsTaylor.Barker@safesipp.org

With an entire immediate family of Chemical Engineers, it was no doubt that engineering was in her blood. From a young age, Taylor loved doing science fair experiments with her dad as well as participating in community service activities. Through the EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) program at ASU, she had the opportunity to use her engineering skills to make a difference. Taylor currently manages business development and oversees legal operations. When she gets some breaks, she enjoys going on European backpacking adventures.

We, the SafeSIPP team, started out as a group of Arizona State University students who wanted to use their engineering and business skills to make a difference. Through the EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) Program at ASU, we began designing and building the system.

When we first started this project, we were aware of the water crisis. We knew the numbers and the statistics, but it was not until we heard the unique stories of the individuals living in South Africa that we realized the true magnitude of suffering. However, we also realized that we have the ability to change this suffering.